NCAA rules UCF senior A.J. Rompza will be reinstated Dec. 30

Rompza will have to repay $900 in improper benefits before rejoining the Knights' lineup

November 21, 2011|By Iliana Limón, Orlando Sentinel

The NCAA has ruled UCF senior guard A.J. Rompza will be eligible to resume competition on Dec. 30 once he repays $900 in improper benefits.

UCF withheld Rompza from competition this season while it waited for the NCAA to rule on eligibility. He can participate in UCF Holiday Classic game against either James Madison or Rhode Island Dec. 30 and will be available to play the entire Conference USA schedule.

The NCAA launched an investigation in April into men's basketball and football recruiting practices. The review centered Ken Caldwell, a Chicago man who has been Rompza's longtime mentor. Caldwell accompanied Romzpa, a graduate of Chicago's Whitney Young High, on his official visit to UCF and stayed in close contact with him throughout his career.

The NCAA alleged Caldwell, a convicted felon, was working with professional agents and steering athletes to UCF. The NCAA's notice of allegations released earlier this month determined Caldwell paid Rompza during his career at UCF.

"We respect the NCAA's decision," UCF men's basketball coach Donnie Jones said in a news release. "I know sitting out is tough for A.J. and that he is anxious to get going. Once he meets the requirements set forth by the NCAA, we will welcome him back."

Rompza was the Knights' starting point guard his freshman and sophomore seasons. Last year he was battling injuries, limiting his impact on the team. He appeared in 31 games and started 19 during the 2010-11 campaign. Rompza averaged 6.4 points and 3.2 assists per game.

"We have worked with the NCAA on this issue and are satisfied that the outcome is fair and appropriate," interim UCF Athletic Director Al Harms said in a news release.

Fans have shown their support for Rompza, an emotional team leader, by wearing shirts and posting signs stating, "#freeAJ."

Before Rompza's eligibility was questioned, he told the Orlando Sentinel in August he was driven to help the Knights succeed this season. Rompza added 15 pounds of muscle to his frame to help him better handle the wear and tear of the season.

"This year is very important to me and I am doing everything I can to make sure we have a great season," Rompza said. "I want to be remembered as someone who helped here."

The fallout over the NCAA investigation continues for UCF.

UCF Athletic Director Keith Tribble and assistant football coach David Kelly were forced to resign after the NCAA alleged they violated principles of ethical conduct, providing "false and misleading information" to UCF and NCAA investigators reviewing the role Caldwell and his associate, Brandon Bender, played in recruiting 11 football and men's basketball athletes.

Harms is leading an internal review into the athletic department's practices, with an emphasis on compliance with NCAA rules.

UCF has three months to respond to the NCAA's 16-page notice of allegations. The Knights can contest NCAA allegations, but the school collaborated with investigators on the initial findings. UCF can self impose any additional penalties it feels are appropriate. The school then will appear before the NCAA committee on infractions in April to explain the steps it has taken following the investigation. UCF could face additional sanctions at that time.